# Chapter XLIII explained — Pride and Prejudice

> Chapter companion for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Elizabeth, accompanied by the Gardiners, visits Pemberley while believing Mr. Darcy to be absent. She is surprised by his unexpected arrival and is struck by his altered, courteous manner. A tour of the house and grounds, guided by the housekeeper's praise of Darcy's character, leads Elizabeth to reconsider her feelings. Darcy introduces himself to the Gardiners, invites Elizabeth to meet his sister, and behaves with unexpected civility, leaving Elizabeth confused and flattered.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Knowledge and Growth

Elizabeth's internal reflection on Darcy's altered behavior and her own changing feelings marks a key moment of personal growth and self-awareness.

### Reputation and Appearance

The housekeeper's praise of Darcy as a brother, landlord, and master contrasts with Elizabeth's earlier prejudices, illustrating how reputation can be reshaped by new evidence.

### Pride and Prejudice

Elizabeth's surprise at Darcy's civility and her reconsideration of her prior judgments directly engage with the novel's central themes of pride and prejudice.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth Bennet

Visits Pemberley with the Gardiners; experiences embarrassment, confusion, and a softening of feelings toward Darcy after hearing the housekeeper's praise and witnessing his changed behavior.

### Mr. Darcy

Arrives unexpectedly at Pemberley; behaves with surprising civility and gentleness toward Elizabeth, inquires after her family, and expresses a wish to introduce his sister to her.

### Mrs. Gardiner

Accompanies Elizabeth on the tour; comments on Darcy's polite and attentive behavior, noting that he is not as disagreeable as Elizabeth had described.

### Mr. Gardiner

Accompanies Elizabeth and his wife; expresses admiration for Darcy's manners and the estate, and engages in conversation with Darcy.

### Georgiana Darcy

Mentioned as the sister for whom Darcy has a sitting-room fitted up; Darcy expresses a wish to introduce her to Elizabeth.

### Mr. Bingley

Mentioned by Darcy as part of the party expected to join him the next day, claiming an acquaintance with Elizabeth.

## Key lines

> She was overpowered by shame and vexation. Her coming there was the most unfortunate, the most ill-judged thing in the world!

Elizabeth felt deeply embarrassed and upset, believing her visit to Pemberley was a terrible mistake.

_Reflects Elizabeth's immediate regret upon unexpectedly encountering Darcy._

> What praise is more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant?

Elizabeth reflects that commendation from a perceptive servant like Mrs. Reynolds carries great weight.

_Highlights the influence of the housekeeper's testimony on Elizabeth's changing perception of Darcy._

> His wish of introducing his sister to her, was a compliment of the highest kind.

Elizabeth sees Darcy's desire to have her meet Georgiana as a significant mark of respect and esteem.

_Indicates Elizabeth's growing awareness of Darcy's regard for her._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xliii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters